South Asian Week taking aim at mainstream fashion consciousness
Bindis, saris, lehengas and maang tikkas have been making waves in the fashion world, be it on the runway or at music festivals. We’ve all heard about cultural appropriation and, yes, it happens. But this time we are talking about South Asian fashion and inclusivity.
Metro Vancouver has a vibrant South Asian community, making it a prominent South Asian fashion destination.
While our region was transforming into a hot spot for South Asian wedding shopping, two women — a makeup artist and a boutique-owner — felt the need to inspire everyone with South Asian styles and designs. The result is South Asian Fashion Week.
“We felt the need to create Metro Vancouver’s first South Asian Fashion Week as a platform to celebrate the artistry of local South Asian designers, featuring the season’s hottest trends while paying homage to traditional embroideries and fabrics,” said Farah Hasan, makeup artist and fashion week co-founder.
“Cultural appropriation is a hot-button issue, especially in fashion,” said Cindy Khella, boutique owner and fashion week cofounder. But at SAFW, “we champion inclusivity and want to give everyone the permission to freely explore wearing traditional South Asian apparel.”
“We have seen a subtle influence of South Asian fashion into mainstream style, which is not surprising ... however, we feel that South Asian fashion itself has yet to become a mainstream staple,” said Khella.
“We want to challenge people’s imagination to go beyond Bollywood when it comes to South Asian fashion,” said Hasan.
“South Asian garments are versatile and can be easily paired with existing pieces in one’s wardrobe, adding a touch of opulence to anyone’s personal style,” said Khella. “Our runway shows aim to inspire audiences by featuring how designers and stylists effortlessly mix traditional South Asian clothing and accessories with mainstream outfits.”
Hasan believes there are no limits to fusion fashion. “Whether it be pairing a white button-down shirt with a brocade lehenga, or draping a sari over your leather pants, South Asian fashion provides the space to explore and express yourself.”
“The goal is to make South Asian fashion and designs very accessible. Fashion lovers are highly creative and we want to connect them with our local designers.”
“Our hope is for everyone to be just as inspired and enamoured as we are with the artistry of South Asian fashion,” said Hasan. “The first edition of SAFW will have a particular focus on Indian and Pakistani fashions. In future editions, we hope to highlight other parts of the region.”
A fashion house that has been a fixture in Metro Vancouver for over 20 years, Sunny’s Bridal will be one of the featured brands on the runway, where it will be unveiling a new line aimed at a fashion-forward audience.
Attendees will also get glimpses of rare designs by Obsession Jewels, including traditional South Asian craftsmanship such as Kundun and Meenakari, as well as contemporary styles from Kyles Collection.
“Our goal is to expand the platform to up-and-coming designers, and provide space for revered creatives,” said Khella.
The three-day fashion affair kicks off on March 2 with an evening gala, which will include a private fashion viewing. On March 3-4, local designers will showcase their creations on the runway.
Guests can also meet the designers, and peruse the SAFW showroom featuring curated local, independent clothing, jewelry and beauty brands available for purchase.